When precise and conscientious viticulture meets brilliant winemaking, the results can be earth-shatteringly profound. Few viticulturists and winemakers in California possess the level of skill required to divine a wine like today’s, but the team of Annie Favia and Andy Erickson certainly does, as the 2019 Favia “Cerro Sur” makes abundantly clear—this is a masterful red blend from Napa Valley’s cooler climes that perfectly balances Old World structure with New World opulence. Having worked alongside David Abreu, Annie has had a hand in farming vines for the likes of Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Bryant, and Colgin, while her husband Andy, one of the great Cabernet minds of the world, can boast of unparalleled expertise, having made wine at Bond, Screaming Eagle, and Dalla Valle. “Cerro Sur” is their benchmark, combining Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon from two relatively cool-climate sites, and it stands confidently among the biggest-name cult labels of Napa while costing quite a bit less. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings voluptuous crushed blackberry fruit and bay leaf, while the Franc, which is the dominant variety in the blend imbues this red with smoky tobacco, dried herbs, and a powerful backbone. This is Napa-meets-Bordeaux courtesy of two exceptional talents—it will blow you away.